Hungry for a Modern, Healthier Ramen? We tasted Chef Woo Instant Ramen – Packed with Bigger Flavor, Better Health
If we’re being honest, Instant Ramen hasn’t had the best reputation. Kinda the opposite. It’s known as the cheapest stuff broke college kids can eat. I ate it, maybe you did too. You get a case at the dollar store for $10 and that could last you a week. From 16 to 22, it’s what you did. It was almost a rite of passage.
Too salty, full of bad stuff, tasted like a potpourri of slimy chunky stuff. But cheap and filling.
Well, it’s time to change that. And Chef Woo wants to do just that. Bring good flavor and bring a much more health-conscious approach?
Did they do it? Keep reading and find out.
Chef Woo’s Inspiration
Chef Woo’s Instant Ramen is inspired by Song Wu Sao, the legendary female chef from ancient China, whose tasty soup became so famous, it lifted her community out of hard times.
Chef Woo Today
Now Chef Woo is trying to change the world too. They’ve created plant-based ramen that’s tasty and nutritious, and puts significantly less strain on our environment.
As their website says:
“Better for our health.
Better for our families.
And for our global future. It’s a lasting change we can make together!”
Chef Woo products are made with the highest standards when it comes to quality and nutrition.
Chef Woo’s Flavors
Roasted Chicken
A hearty classic to warm your soul and fill your tummy. Roasted Chicken flavor made with absolutely no animal products.
Roasted Chicken Ingredients
Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Seasoning (Cane Sugar, Corn Maltodextrin, Yeast Extract, Autolyzed Yeast, Torula Yeast, Dehydrated Vegetables [Garlic, Onion, Chives], Spices, Natural Flavor), Dried carrot, Salt, Dried Onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried corn, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum.
Braised Beef
Home comfort in a bowl. Enjoy the rich and satisfying braised beef flavor, made with absolutely no animal products.
Braised Beef Ingredients
Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Seasoning (Corn Maltodextrin, Cane Sugar, Salt, Yeast Extract, Autolyzed Yeast, Dehydrated Vegetables [Onion, Garlic, Chives], Spices, Natural Flavors), Dried carrot, Salt, Dried Onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried corn, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum.
Thai Lemongrass
Transport your taste buds to south-east Asia with the tangy zest of Chef Woo Thai Lemongrass.
Thai Lemongrass Ingredients
Organic Wheat Flour, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Spice (garlic, onion, green onion, brown sugar, salt, soy sauce powder [soy sauce (fermented soybeans, wheat, salt), maltodextrin, salt], turmeric, lime juice powder (lime juice, maltodextrin), citric acid, sesame oil, lemongrass oil, spice extractive, silicon dioxide), Dried Carrot, Dried onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried corn, Salt, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate.
Sweet Chili Togarashi
Add a little spice to your day with a sumptuous medley of Japanese flavors. Our Sweet Chili Togarashi never disappoints.
Sweet Chili Togarashi Ingredients
Organic Wheat Flour, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Pea Protein, Seasoning (Spices, sea salt, dehydrated orange peel, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, brown sugar, dehydrated garlic, and silicon dioxide), Dried Carrot, Dried onions, Dried Red Bell Pepper, Dried Peas, Dried Corn, Salt, Potassium carbonate, Sodium carbonate, Guar gum, Sodium Tripolyphosphate.
Chef Woo’s Ramen Conclusion
How does it taste:
It has way better flavor. I loved the chicken and braised beef. Frankly, some of the others have too much flavor for me. But maybe it’s perfect for you. I don’t like spicy. If you do, you’ll probably love all of them.
Is it healthy?
First, easily they are all more health-conscious then the previous generation. Second, yes again, they are healthy in general.
Would I recommend Chef Woo’s Ramen?
Yeah, I’d buy the chicken and the beef. For me, not the spicier ones.
Browse more at Chef Woo’s website
Find Chef Woo’s Facebook and Instagram.
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Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in LA for Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21, Susan Dynner, Shauna Grace in-person
Award-Winning Horror Hit “Soul Trader” Screens in Los Angeles Calabasas Film Fest Sept 21 1pm.
Award-winning short film The Soul Trader returns to Los Angeles to be screened as part of Calabasas Film Fest on Saturday September 21 at 1pm.
The Soul Trader is a 12 minute short proof of concept for a feature or series directed by Susan Dynner (Brick, Punk’s Not Dead, Code Blue: A Love Story) and starring Shauna Grace (Real Housewives…, Vanderpump Rules), Shane West (A Walk to Remember, ER, The Dirty South), Donna Mills (Knots Landing, Nope, Origin).
The story follows Coral Chase (Shauna Grace), an occult hitwoman who has the power to steal life-extending souls, which she then sells to vain, wealthy elites like Erica Claessen (Donna Mills), who clings to the crumbs of youth. She’s flanked by stoic bodyguard Damien (Shane West), who ultimately emerges from the shadows as her rival when she’s about to carry out a money-spinning hit at a target’s home and realizes she’s not the only one with murder in mind.
“We’re excited that the audience is falling in love with this story and
a strong female lead.
I want to keep sharing this story with audiences everywhere”
Director / Producer Susan Dynner
The short film launched at the Cannes Film Festival’s American Pavilion in May and has been gaining momentum ever since.
It won its first award just weeks later at the Manhattan Film Festival in NYC. Then more acclaim at Rock The Shorts in Beverly Hills and DC Shorts in Washington, DC, one of the country’s largest short film festivals.
Now it’s set to screen at many more festivals on the West Coast, East Coast and across the globe.
“I’m proud this project is inspiring so many women.
We meet people after every screening, women who are excited by the Coral characters.
Playing the role of Coral, working with our cast and crew has been incredible.
But the biggest thanks is the reaction from the audience.
Getting to meet people who are excited and inspired by the story and characters.”
Actress / Executive Producer Shauna Grace
Meanwhile the filmmaking duo Susan Dynner and Shauna Grace are busy taking meetings toward their next step.
What is their next step?
“This was always meant as a proof of concept short film to become a feature film or TV series.
With the sold-out screenings and awards, it just confirms our feeling that this story is so much bigger than a short.”
Susan Dynner
Actress Shauna Grace has been receiving strong reviews, comparing her on screen presence to other heroines including Charlize Theron and Scarlett Johansson.
Dynner’s experience as a studio development executive for visionaries such as Richard Donner and Wolfgang Peterson shines through. Also, her producing work on Sundance hit “Brick” and festival darling “Punks Not Dead” shows her ability to bring production value on a range of budgets.
Both Dynner and Grace will attend their Calabasas Film Festival screening on Saturday September 21 at 1pm and be available afterwards to discussion.
The Soul Trader is directed and produced by Dynner, written by newcomer Mike Underwood, photographed by Matthias Schubert (The Door Man, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, Shelter in Solitude), produced by Lauren Bancroft (The Making of Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles, Wild Bitch, Bite Size Halloween), edited by David Hopper (God Bless America, In Between Songs, Rust Creek), and executive produced by Shauna Grace, with music composed by Jeff Russo (Fargo, Ripley, Star Trek: Discovery).
See The Soul Trader at Calabasas Film Festival on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 1pm. Tix available here: https://calabasasfilmfestival.com/session/shorts-program/
Los Angeles Halloween Event List 2024 :Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest (Updated)
Los Angeles’ Freakiest, Scariest, Tastiest, Halloween Event List 2024 (Updated)
Our guide to Halloween 2024 in Los Angeles has you covered with the best treats, the most inspiring costumes and the best neighborhoods for fun, frights and memorable nights.
Los Angeles Halloween: Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights
8 Terrifying Haunted Houses
From cinematic greats and crazed cult favorites to the park’s original abominations, enter mind ripping haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror.
Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse
Terrifying Blumhouse characters have taken over the Terror Tram. Face the murderous android M3GAN. The Grabber. And more.
4 Sinister Scare Zones
Take on four sinister scare zones, each with a different terrifying theme.
Luchadores Monstruosos
¡Ojo! You’re about to get caught in the middle of a Lucha Libre horror film as two luchadores battle masked monsters.
Murder of Crowz
You’ve foolishly ventured into a massive crow’s nest. Now the fearsome flock will descend upon you and peck your bones clean.
Chainsaw Punkz
Get revved up for your night of terror as soon as you enter. Chainsaw-wielding punk rockers with masks and mohawks will close in on you.
Skull Lordz
All hail the royal court of the undead, where gothic kings and queens reign. Beware! Cross into their spectral kingdom at your own peril.
Explore the Gore Your Way
Grab your tickets to the terror. Enhance the horror with an R.I.P. Tour or admission that includes express access. Or, maximize your fear by staying near the screams with a Hotel & Ticket Package.
Buy your tix today:
https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us/tickets
Los Angeles Halloween: Delusion
Story takes place in the mid 20th Century, centering around the brilliant psychologist Dr. Frederick Lowell and you, his cohort of unusual patients.
An epic and haunting adventure awaits those willing to play their part in Delusion’s latest interactive play. You will play the role of Dr. Frederick Lowell’s most prized patients, found sleepwalking on the grounds of the Red Castle. Yet this time, when you awake, your memory has faded and Dr. Lowell is nowhere to be found.
PLAY YOUR PART EXPERIENCE
Head to the VIP lounge for your private bar where you might stumble upon a few hidden surprises and performers.
Then venture beyond the veil of the show and prepare to showcase your mad talents. A quick costume change into mental asylum garb and off you go, awaiting actual patrons of the play as they move through a deranged scene that features you!
Buy tix to Delusion here:
https://enterdelusion.com/buy-tickets/
West Hollywood Halloween Carnival
West Hollywood loves Halloween, and the City of West Hollywood is thrilled that Halloween is back with Halloween Carnaval 2024!
The City’s incomparable Halloween Carnaval is one of the most unique Halloween gatherings in the world.
Halloween Carnaval is free to attend and will take place on Thursday, October 31, 2024 on a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard.
Staged on Santa Monica Boulevard/Historic Route 66, Halloween Carnaval will feature a stage at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and N. San Vicente Boulevard with a live DJ set, food trucks and thousands of wildly dressed Halloween revelers for a one-of-a-kind experience.
There will also be Halloween celebrations at businesses, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues throughout the City!
The City invites Halloween Carnaval-goers to get into the spirit and show off costumes by uploading photos to social media sites with the hashtag #wehohalloween.
Halloween at Cinespia
For its October 2024 lineup, presented by Amazon MGM Studios, the LA-based organization announced screenings of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Trick ‘r Treat, Coraline and Suspiria, leading up to Halloween.
Cinespia will also host a special Halloween night screening of director Dario Argento‘s horror classic Suspiria on Oct. 31 at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles.
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Nosferatu
Halloween Organ, Film & Music: Nosferatu
Thu / Oct 31, 2024 – 8:00PM
Silent film specialist Clark Wilson returns for Walt Disney Concert Hall’s annual Halloween concert, performing a chilling, original organ score to the 1922 Nosferatu—one of the most influential works in cinema and the horror genre—live to picture.
Tix here: https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3006/2024-10-31/halloween-organ-film-music-nosferatu
David Gilmour at the Hollywood Bowl
Tix here: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/3507/2024-10-30/david-gilmour
Knox Dobson RTD Wins Double Gold Medal, Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox Dobson ’s Superior Ready-to-Drink Improved Whiskey Cocktail Wins Prestigious Double Gold Medal & Old Fashioned Wins Gold At 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Knox & Dobson, a new collection of superior ready-to-drink cocktails, proudly announces that their Improved Whiskey Cocktail has been awarded the prestigious Double Gold Medal and their Old Fashioned Cocktail has won a Gold Medal in the Ready-to-Drink category at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Founded in 2000, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the oldest and largest competition of its kind. Receiving a high-tier medal at SFWSC is a testament to exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
This year’s competition featured nearly 5,000 entries, judged by experienced and knowledgeable spirits critics through a blind tasting process, ensuring impartiality and integrity.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of premium ready-to-drink bottled cocktails is designed to be shared with friends, making it easy to simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
The collection was meticulously curated with an uncompromising commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and taste by Knox & Dobson Founder & President Rob Levy (Former Owner, The Raymond 1886) and Creative Director Peter Lloyd Jones (The Raymond 1886, Everson Royce Bar, Proof Media Mix).
The lineup includes a gin Martini, classic Old Fashioned, Improved Whiskey Cocktail with Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, Rye Manhattan, and Moscow Mule.
Each cocktail features the highest quality ingredients such as hand-selected barrel-aged whiskey, distilled gin, natural cane sugar, and authentic Angostura Bitters.
“Our mission was to create a collection of cocktails that were equal in taste and quality to those freshly crafted by a skilled bartender. Peter Lloyd Jones was the best choice, and I can’t imagine working with anyone better,”
Rob Levy
Knox & Dobson Founder & President
“Pete’s experience at 1886 Bar at The Raymond and Everson Royce Bar, combined with his passion and creativity, make him the perfect partner at Knox & Dobson.”
Levy’s upbringing in Skokie, Illinois, at Knox Avenue and Dobson Street, is where he spent most of his adolescence in the ‘60s and ‘70s, hanging out “on the corner” with neighborhood kids who remain lifelong friends. Knox & Dobson is as much an elevated on-the-go handcrafted beverage experience as it is a distillation of hometown pride and a love of bringing people together.
The Knox & Dobson Improved Whiskey Cocktail (35.42% ABV), which was awarded this year’s Double Gold Medal, is made with straight aged rye whiskey, Maraska Maraschino Liqueur, and Angostura bitters. This cocktail features a spiced flavor profile combined with American oak, citrus, and bright and deep cherry notes, making it a whiskey cocktail meant to be sipped and savored.
The Knox & Dobson Old Fashioned (38% ABV), which was awarded the Gold Medal, consists of straight aged bourbon, natural cane sugar, orange oil, and Angostura Bitters. Enjoy the taste of aged bourbon with bright citrus flavors, bitters, raw cinnamon, clove, and American oak.
Knox & Dobson’s new collection of superior bottled cocktails are best served chilled or over ice. Each 200-milliliter bottle features two servings, perfect for sharing, so simply Open, Pour, and Enjoy!
Knox & Dobson is available for delivery Nationwide.
Visit Knox & Dobson to order your new favorite bottled cocktails today.
To see the full list of locations to purchase directly, please visit Knox & Dobson’s Stockists page.
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Mother’s Day in Los Angeles: AOC presents Brunch and Dinner at West Hollywood and Brentwood Locations
Mother’s Day in Los Angeles: AOC presents Brunch and Dinner at West Hollywood and Brentwood Locations
A.O.C., Los Angeles’ ground-breaking small plates restaurant at the forefront of the city’s best dining since 2002, celebrates Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023, with its acclaimed brunch and dinner menus at both 3rd Street and Brentwood locations.
Spacious seating is offered on outdoor patios and indoor dining rooms.
Brunch features favorites of Dungeness Crab Omelette with Watercress, Basil Pistou, Burrata & Crème Fraîche; Shrimp and Buttermilk Biscuit with Celery Sofrito, Pea Tendrils & Shrimp Gravy; Spanish Fried Chicken & Cornmeal Waffle with Chile-Cumin Butter, Jamon Serrano & Maple Syrup;
Vanilla Bean French Toast with Harry’s Berries & Santa Barbara Pistachio Aillade; Stout-Braised Brisket Hash with Horseradish Cream, Poached Egg & Pickled Red Onion; Scrambled Egg Focaccia Sandwich with Hook’s Cheddar, Hill’s Bacon & Chive Crème Fraîche; Roast Turkey Focaccia Sandwich with Mozzarella, Green Harissa, Avocado & Castelvetranos; the A.O.C. Burger with Gruyère, Dijon, Caramelized Shallots and Crispy Onions, served with French Fries.
Don’t miss Suzanne’s indulgent Sticky Buns
Don’t miss Suzanne’s indulgent Sticky Buns with Munak Walnuts and some other special treats for the table, including Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Streusel Muffin and Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Coffee Cake.
Three new tempting spring desserts by Pastry Chef Tristyne Frutos
There are three new tempting spring desserts by Pastry Chef Tristyne Frutos– Meyer Lemon Bar with Blackberry Compote, Almond Streusel and White Chocolate Ice Cream; Ode to the Samoa Cookie with Chocolate, Dulce De Leche & Coconut Sorbet; and Harry’s Berries & Cream Coupe with Strawberry Sorbet, Vanilla Ice Cream & Diplomat Cream.
Mother’s Day Dinner menu
For Mother’s Day Dinner menu, try the wood-oven focaccias of Bottarga, Red Onion, Cippolinis, Calabrian Chili & Meyer Lemon or Jamon, Sheep’s Milk Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, Marconas & Salbitxada. Suzanne’s newest salads include Spring Greens with Broccoli Kibbeh, Avocado, Fava & Feta; Arugula with Blood Orange, Pickled Rhubarb & Fresh Ricotta; and Endive with Radishes, Meyer Lemon Cream & Oil-Cured Olives. Other dinner highlights for the season are Lobster & Kanpachi Ceviche with Cara Cara, Urfa & Pistachios; North Pacific Halibut with White Bean Brodo, Nettles, Black Olive & Artichoke Salsa; Prawns with Saffron Pasta, Fennel Sofrito, Spinach & Sourdough Crumbs; and Harissa-Spiced Lamb Chops with Fava Bean Purée, Cumin Yogurt & Pickled Carrots.
Enjoy an inspired selection of Caroline Styne’s curated wines and beers and expertly mixed market cocktails by Head Barman Ignacio Murillo, featuring spring drinks – Kingdom, with Suntory Toki Whiskey, House Strawberry Aperitivo, Rhubarb Bitters & Orange; Sugar Daddy with Gin, Lime Juice, Sugar Snap Pea Syrup & Kiwi Puree; The Fulton with Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Oat & Banana Syrup; Ruta Oaxaca with Mezcal, Tequila, Lime Juice, Pineapple & Opal Basil; Molcajete with Tequila, Lime Juice, Cilantro-Avocado Syrup, Orange Juice & Jalapeño Juice and the award-winning Green Goddess– Green Tea-Infused Vodka, Cucumber, Arugula, Jalapeño & Absinthe Rinse (also available as a mocktail).
Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner is offered from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Reservations are available on OpenTable, and takeout can be ordered online at www.aocwinebar.com for pickup. Delivery is available from DoorDash.
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Venice’s THE BRIG celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sun Oct 22
Venice’s THE BRIG celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sun October 22 with a night of fun and specials
THE BRIG celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sunday, October 23, 2022, with 70-cent well drinks from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Complimentary Brig Tattoos; Limited Edition Hats & Tee Shirt; All-Day/All-Night Bands & DJs
Venice’s THE BRIG celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sun Oct 22
THE BRIG, with longtime owners Dave and Patti Reiss (Reiss Co – Nueva, The Alibi Room & Vito’s Pizza); and Jared Meisler (Nueva, Roger Room, Bar Lubitsch, The Friend & The Little Friend)
In addition, THE BRIG will offer all guests complimentary BRIG tattoos by a local tattoo artist, and limited edition hats and tee shirts (as supply lasts).
As is expected at THE BRIG, guests can listen to the sounds from local bands and DJs, all day and all night, including THE BRIG Band; DJ Dred Foxx; DJ Illa; and DJ Jayvon. A portion of all proceeds from the Anniversary Party will benefit St. Joseph Center.
THE BRIG has been instrumental in the Los Angeles food truck explosion in the early 2000s with its parking lot serving as the launching space for several well known trucks. In commemoration of the anniversary, THE BRIG has organized food trucks operation from day to night, including the world-famous Kogi Truck.
Venice’s THE BRIG celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sun Oct 22
Babe Brandelli’s original THE BRIG, established in 1952, boasts a bohemian charm and charisma reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse spirit.
The iconic bar serves as the gateway to Los Angeles’ premier dining and shopping mecca in Venice, California. When travelers first glimpse THE BRIG’s iconic sign above the illustration of renowned Golden Globes boxer and former owner, “Babe” Brandelli, they know they have arrived in the heart of the Abbot Kinney district.
Once through the weathered door, guests are greeted by a refreshed mid-century interior, influenced by the popular modern stylings during the early years of “Babe” Brandelli’s Brig. At the rear of the bar is the entrance to an expansive patio, flanked by the famed Art Mortimer mural-with-in-a mural.
Venice’s THE BRIG celebrates its 70th anniversary on Sun Oct 22
THE BRIG is known for its popular MOJITOS menu, including SPICY with Havana Club Rum, Mint, Lime & Thai Bird Chili; MEZCAL with Mal Bien Mezcal, Mint & Lime; ABSINTHE with Pernod Absinthe, Mint & Lime.
HOUSE COCKTAILS include BANTAMWEIGHT with Passion Fruit, Aperol & Prosecco; KNOCK OUT with Vodka, Cucumber, Mint, Ginger & Crushed Ice; D0WN BY LAW with Rye Whisky, Fernet Branca & Angostura Bitters, Stirred and Served Up; SOUTHPAW with Reposado Tequila, Hibiscus, Mandarin, Averna, Served Tall & Over Ice; MAIN EVENT with Blanco Tequila, Ancho Chili, Pineapple, Lime, Served Tall & Over Ice; and SLUGGER with Bourbon, Baronjager Honey Liqueur, Lemon, Habanero Bitters, Stirred & Served on the Rocks.
Try the SHOT & BEER menu including “BABE” BRANDELLI with Bourbon + Rolling Rock Bottle; JULIO “EL CESAR” CHAVEZ with Tequila + Carta Blanca Bottle; RAY “BOOM BOOM” MANCINI with Ferrari (Half Fernet/Half Campari) + Peroni Bottle; JAMES “LIGHTS OUT” TOMEY with Elijah Craig + IPA Can; and “MARVELOUS” MARVIN HAGLER with Mezcal + Grapefruit Radler Can. (for a complete list, please visit THE BRIG’s online drink and spirits menu)
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Make the Best Cocktail on drinking night, Bark and Barware Shows You How with Cocktail Smoker
Make the Best Cocktail on your next drinking night, Bark and Barware Shows You How with Cocktail Smoker
Bark and Barware enters the cocktail market with their premium cocktail smoker, including 6 flavors.
Bark and Barware’s Harel Levy
Today, Bark and Barware’s Harel Levy joins us for a conversation about cocktails, creating your long-lasting drinking crew, picking the right flavors, the perfect pairings and more!
The below conversation has been edited for length and clarity. Find the full conversation at our YouTube channel.
Joe Winger: Can you tell us a little bit about your story? And what inspired you to create this cocktail smoker kit?
Harel Levy: I’ve been an entrepreneur for the last seven years. While there are no mistakes, I actually found [the cocktail smoker] by mistake. I was planning to buy something for my Dad. I usually won’t give something if it’s not 100%. So I’d rather not give a gift that I don’t really like. Because I really care about what the recipient is going to feel.
“I really love the idea of cocktail smoking kits. […] It’s another tool to have a great night.
I don’t want to give something cheap, because if you really love someone, you really want to make sure that everything is spot on, right?
Even on yourself, you will be more forgiven in terms of what you buy than someone else.
I really love the idea of cocktail smoking kits. It’s not that it’s only cool and it’s a great addition to having those nights with friends, with family. It’s another tool to have a great night.
I went to Amazon and I saw there is no one who actually sells it in a premium, wooden box. And with many flavors. I talked with [my company’s] CEO about it, what’s missing here.
Bark & Barware’s Smoker Kit
We came up with a wooden box. It came from my passion to give something that looks good.
For almost a year, we went back and forth with factories. The smoke. The flavor. Details with the box.
When we released it, we were very happy. We knew my criteria. If I can give it to my Dad, not being afraid he’s not going to like it. Then I know that other people are also going to enjoy it because I have high standards for giving a gift to someone that I love. That’s how we came up with the product and the product.
The second thing we are planning is to bring a mixologist, make it a more holistic experience.
Extend the journey with our customers, give them cocktails, give them recipes, give them ideas, The journey doesn’t end when the transaction happens for us. We want to continue to build trust and serve our customers.
Joe Winger: You have a very comprehensive website. Can you walk us through your Cocktail Smoker Kit? When we buy it what do we get?
Harel Levy: There are six different chip flavors, the culinary torch, the smoke lid. Ice tongs, whiskey stones. Unfortunately, we don’t include butane [gas for the torch] because shipping is very heavily regulated,
“In every smoker kit you get six different chip flavors, the culinary torch, the smoke lid. Ice tongs, whiskey stones.”
We have six flavors: cherry, oak, pear, maple, hickory and apple. Our plan is to listen to our customers and come up with new flavors based on what they ask for. It’s not a one-time product release. We’re going to offer refills, extensions, more.
Each taste is very delicate. The world of wine, flavor, alcohol is so wide and you can get very specific sometimes. When you do get specific, you get the best results, right?
Joe Winger: Has there been one or two major lessons you’ve learned?
Harel Levy: Initially we had more flavors. After we gave out samples and heard about which flavors were the favorite, we removed some.
Joe Winger: You mentioned flavor pairing. What’s your favorite cocktail pairing?
Harel Levy: It’s a tough question because taste is something that is extremely subjective.
We usually put it with scotch. That’s our personal preference. Our customers get very creative with their ideas. That’s why we initially started with those six flavors. But listening to customer feedback, it’s going to grow and change.
Joe Winger: Over a year of research and development, were there any unexpected surprises?
Harel Levy: A lot of people agreed with me on the wooden box. People started asking for smoke refills. They’re going through the smoke faster than I thought. When we launched, I was expecting this to be used for special occasions. But people are using it every week, all the time.
Joe Winger: In the past few weeks, I’ve been in Los Angeles, Brooklyn, New York, Philadelphia. All those places have bars where they’re serving smoked drinks. Now people want to have that experience at home.
Harel Levy: That’s going to make you the hero of the party. You’re the one who brings the cool stuff. I always like to do that.
We really advise [anyone trying this] to taste all of the flavors. Not just one or two. The spectrum of what flavors someone likes or doesn’t like is very wide. You’re probably going to really like 1-2 [of the flavors], and less like the others.
Those 1-2 that you really like, we’re going to offer you refills.
When I host friends [at my house], I drink scotch and it goes well with cherry.
But it’s like a game. You try a lot of things. You find out something that you’re really going to love.
“That’s going to make you the hero of the party. You’re the one who brings the cool stuff.”
Joe Winger: This first kit is a starter kit or a sampler kit. I get those six flavors and I get to decide, “Oh my gosh, I really like this one. Now I need a refill.”
Harel Levy: Exactly. It’s exciting me on a personal level because I’m curious […]. What’s going to make people upgrade a scotch that costs hundreds of dollars?
I can play with the flavor. That will upgrade an experience for the end customer cost hundreds of dollars. I did my part, right? And for them, they’re going to be over the moon. They’re going to be super happy. It’s just going to become one of their routine.
“What’s going to make people upgrade a scotch that costs hundreds of dollars?”
Joe Winger: There are smoking kits all over the place. Dozens of competitors on Amazon. Why should someone choose Bark and Barware?
Harel Levy: It’s the full experience that we offer. It starts with the package. Then the flavors. Most of our competitors offer four, we offer six. We tasted all of the competitors and our flavor is better. Otherwise I would not have released the product.
Our post-purchase [experience] the recipes. We’re working with a mixologist to just create a mini course to go with the kit, go with specific drinks. Customers are going to have access to all of it. How do I mix it? What should I mix it with?
Joe Winger: What does the future of the brand look like?
Harel Levy: We’re planning to release big packages [re-fills] of each flavor. Second thing is the mini courses. We really want to inspire because that’s fun.
The process of drinking with friends, the process of smoking. It’s a fun process. You sit on your balcony, with friends, you open a bottle of wine as well. That’s a fun process.
Our goal is to inspire. Someone [will realize they] like a specific cocktail. We will give them all of the information on how to make it, how to mix it, then we earn a customer for life.
Joe Winger: You mentioned picking a cocktail is like picking a favorite kid. It’s so hard to do. What is your favorite cocktail to use with your smoker?
Harel Levy: Yeah, so that’s a great question. I like the combination of the apple and scotch.
Joe Winger: Because you’re a foodie, are there any specific cocktail and food pairings that you really enjoy with any of your specific flavors?
Harel Levy: My favorite is having an apple flavored scotch with a ribeye. Someone I work with loves the hickory flavor. That’s the beauty of this world, every person has their unique taste.
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